Little Bitty 44 Magnums
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Sebago Son
Member
I have had a Nickle Mod 34, with a 4" barrel for over 30 years.
So After I retired I bought the Mod 34 2" also in Nickle, for a No2 gun to carry on some of my remote country trips.
My thoughts being with the "little" 22LR it would be easy to carry 50 or even 100 rounds on your person, or in the day pack.
That way if I became lost/delayed for several days in the wilderness, I would have at least one gun with a fair amount of ammo.
So I have done a lot of shooting with this little gun and I have been suprised at its accuracy. I have been shooting it on the plate rack at the range, the plates are 6 to 8", and even rapid fire double action at 25 yards I can get 4 to 6 hits per run, even at speed.
I am liking this little gun quite a bit. It is steel, so I am taking a look at the 8 round lightweight 2" S&W's as well.
So After I retired I bought the Mod 34 2" also in Nickle, for a No2 gun to carry on some of my remote country trips.
My thoughts being with the "little" 22LR it would be easy to carry 50 or even 100 rounds on your person, or in the day pack.
That way if I became lost/delayed for several days in the wilderness, I would have at least one gun with a fair amount of ammo.
So I have done a lot of shooting with this little gun and I have been suprised at its accuracy. I have been shooting it on the plate rack at the range, the plates are 6 to 8", and even rapid fire double action at 25 yards I can get 4 to 6 hits per run, even at speed.
I am liking this little gun quite a bit. It is steel, so I am taking a look at the 8 round lightweight 2" S&W's as well.
I bought a Model 51 with that in mind and a friend who is handy at leather-working was good enough to sew up a nice little belt pouch for me that will hold two boxes of 50 rounds. My idea was that I didn't want to risk becoming separated from the gun AND ammunition. Both would be on my belt. That was all in prep for a hunting trip that fell through due to some unfortunate medical problems with the friend who invited me, and, sadly, he was never able to go again. The 51 never left Indiana and it doesn't look like it will, but one never says never. I think it is the ideal gun for the purpose, but I can't claim to have the experience.
I liked the 51 so well that I later got a Model 651 (continuing my experimenting), and while the 651's sights are a nuisance, it is even more accurate than the 51. Both nice little guns for the purpose you mention.
Let us know how it goes with the 329NG. I don't see a lot about them.
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I strongly recommend a steel frame for a .44 magnum of any length. You have to assume you'll need to use it some time, and the recoil in a 26 or 30 oz aluminum frame is going to be brutal. You won't want to practice enough to shoot accurately, and even with practice a followup shot may be difficult.
I have a 3" short lug and a 4" M29 Mountain Gun, which weigh in about the same at 40 oz. While manageable, that is about as much recoil as I wish to deal with, on or off the range. I have a boot grip on the 3", which makes it easily concealable in a VM2 IWB. The short grip does not intensify recoil, but it does allow more torque than a longer grip.
There's a lot of difference between 3" and 4" carrying concealed or in a high ride holster. It's much harder to clear leather with a 4" gun. The advantage of a 2-5/8" barrel over 3" is trivial in that regard. A good holster and belt, and you won't notice it's there after a while.
You're not going to conceal this revolver in a pocket. It's too thick to hide, too long for any but a cavernous pocket, and too heavy to walk without it bouncing around.
I suggest you get a lanyard for it too. That way it's more likely to follow you up a tree, assuming you get that far ahead of a bear. One option for Hogue monogrips is a lanyard stud in place of a retaining screw.
I have a 3" short lug and a 4" M29 Mountain Gun, which weigh in about the same at 40 oz. While manageable, that is about as much recoil as I wish to deal with, on or off the range. I have a boot grip on the 3", which makes it easily concealable in a VM2 IWB. The short grip does not intensify recoil, but it does allow more torque than a longer grip.
There's a lot of difference between 3" and 4" carrying concealed or in a high ride holster. It's much harder to clear leather with a 4" gun. The advantage of a 2-5/8" barrel over 3" is trivial in that regard. A good holster and belt, and you won't notice it's there after a while.
You're not going to conceal this revolver in a pocket. It's too thick to hide, too long for any but a cavernous pocket, and too heavy to walk without it bouncing around.
I suggest you get a lanyard for it too. That way it's more likely to follow you up a tree, assuming you get that far ahead of a bear. One option for Hogue monogrips is a lanyard stud in place of a retaining screw.
Since your caliber interests appear to have broadened I have two suggestions for you-
First, you might consider the 327 Night Guard, I got a good deal on one a couple of months ago and am very pleased with it. It's accurate, the right weight - not too light, not too heavy @32oz loaded with 8 135gr .357mags, and well balanced so it carries nice and feels good in the hand. It has become my general carry gun for around the property, in the woods, etc., pretty much any time concealment is not a major issue.
Second, you mentioned the lightweight 2" .22s. My wife has a 317 that she takes walking with her, great little gun, only weighs like 10oz. However, for your purposes the 3" 317 with adjustale sights might be better and I just saw a nice used one Friday at the Cabela's in Scarorough, ME for $400 with the box and stuff. That's a really good price, you might give them a call.
First, you might consider the 327 Night Guard, I got a good deal on one a couple of months ago and am very pleased with it. It's accurate, the right weight - not too light, not too heavy @32oz loaded with 8 135gr .357mags, and well balanced so it carries nice and feels good in the hand. It has become my general carry gun for around the property, in the woods, etc., pretty much any time concealment is not a major issue.
Second, you mentioned the lightweight 2" .22s. My wife has a 317 that she takes walking with her, great little gun, only weighs like 10oz. However, for your purposes the 3" 317 with adjustale sights might be better and I just saw a nice used one Friday at the Cabela's in Scarorough, ME for $400 with the box and stuff. That's a really good price, you might give them a call.
WC145,
Very snazoo revolver! Thanks for the posting the pic.
Chris
Very snazoo revolver! Thanks for the posting the pic.
Chris
My wife's Itty Bitty carry gun (bottom), Lady Smith, 2 1/4" 7 shot .22 Long:
Top is my Itty Bitty .500 Mag.
The largest and smallest Smith Hand Ejectors.
Top is my Itty Bitty .500 Mag.
The largest and smallest Smith Hand Ejectors.
Gentlemen thanks to you that have posted since my last post. Here are some Random thoughts to your replies.
First only 2 calibers are in consideration 44 Mag and 22 rimfire.
No flies on the 357 Mag, but if I am already carrying a 44 why carry in addition a 357?
Steel vs scandium for the little 44 Mag... Yes steel is better for shooting, but for carrying, as a No2, Scandium is worth a look. My 325 NG is so light you can carry it in your front pants pocket, or in a coat pocket and never know it is there...
The 22LR vs the 22 Mag. The 22 Mag does have more power and the 22 Mag shotshells to have more "wack". I have used a High Standard 22 Mag Derringer for over 30 years. I have considered a small revolver in 22 Mag, however, the fact that 22 LR is 100 times more avialable than the 22 mag is a consideration.
First only 2 calibers are in consideration 44 Mag and 22 rimfire.
No flies on the 357 Mag, but if I am already carrying a 44 why carry in addition a 357?
Steel vs scandium for the little 44 Mag... Yes steel is better for shooting, but for carrying, as a No2, Scandium is worth a look. My 325 NG is so light you can carry it in your front pants pocket, or in a coat pocket and never know it is there...
The 22LR vs the 22 Mag. The 22 Mag does have more power and the 22 Mag shotshells to have more "wack". I have used a High Standard 22 Mag Derringer for over 30 years. I have considered a small revolver in 22 Mag, however, the fact that 22 LR is 100 times more avialable than the 22 mag is a consideration.
$1700!
Wow. I guess my collection just went up
In value!
http://www.gunsamerica.com/98808260...629_5_Camfor_2_5_inch_barrel_Fixed_Sights.htm
Wow. I guess my collection just went up
In value!
http://www.gunsamerica.com/98808260...629_5_Camfor_2_5_inch_barrel_Fixed_Sights.htm
Last edited:
629-5 Camfour 2.5 inch barrel Fixed Sights Smith & Wesson Revolvers > Model 629 for sale, gun classifieds or gun auction from travis. Buy or bid on this 629-5 Camfour 2.5 inch barrel Fixed Sights in the category Smith & Wesson Revolvers > Model 629 o
$1700!
Wow. I guess my collection just went up
In value!
Further adventures of my 2" Mod 34 Kit Gun.
I carried it again this deer season, where so far I have spent 45 days hunting.
It has come in very handy...
First one evening I shot a wild pig, and when I got back to camp with it it was after dark. One of the other hunters had borrowed my gun bucket, so I went looking for it. Over by a buddies cabin, and my brothers I came upon a large rattlesnake, coiled up, and this after dark!!!
So I pulled the Mod 34 out of my pocket and gave him a couple of CCI shotshells. He was 5 foot 4 inches, and pretty big around.
He went into the freezer with the pig.
Later in the hunt I shot a bobcat, and used a 22LRHP for a finisher.
A few days later I shot a squirrel out of a tree, he went to the freezer too...
I also used it for finishing shots on 2 of the 4 wild pigs I shot, in both cases the HP bullets penetrated to the brain.
So in short, I have found this 2" Kit Gun to be most useful and most handy.
I have carried it so much in my left front pocket that I do not even notice it is there, till I need it.
I have thought about getting a newer Scandium framed 22LR, but I am concerned with the quality of the newer guns, and the lack of adjustable sights.
I just may stay with te Nickel Mod 34. It has served me very well so far.
I carried it again this deer season, where so far I have spent 45 days hunting.
It has come in very handy...
First one evening I shot a wild pig, and when I got back to camp with it it was after dark. One of the other hunters had borrowed my gun bucket, so I went looking for it. Over by a buddies cabin, and my brothers I came upon a large rattlesnake, coiled up, and this after dark!!!
So I pulled the Mod 34 out of my pocket and gave him a couple of CCI shotshells. He was 5 foot 4 inches, and pretty big around.
He went into the freezer with the pig.
Later in the hunt I shot a bobcat, and used a 22LRHP for a finisher.
A few days later I shot a squirrel out of a tree, he went to the freezer too...
I also used it for finishing shots on 2 of the 4 wild pigs I shot, in both cases the HP bullets penetrated to the brain.
So in short, I have found this 2" Kit Gun to be most useful and most handy.
I have carried it so much in my left front pocket that I do not even notice it is there, till I need it.
I have thought about getting a newer Scandium framed 22LR, but I am concerned with the quality of the newer guns, and the lack of adjustable sights.
I just may stay with te Nickel Mod 34. It has served me very well so far.
Interesting thread, and many good options. I'll toss out my opinions as well.
After trying 2 different 317's I gave up. Just can not shoot them very well. Best I can do from a rested postion is 3 inch (8 shot) groups at 15yards. Not good enough to hit a rabbit or squirrel. Loved how light it was, but if I can't hit with it, it is a nice paperweight. But there again, I also carry a Beretta Bobcat that weighs less than the 317 and it is far more accurate with the fixed sights. Now trying out a Ruger SP101, 4.2 barrel, 8 shot, weighs 30 ounces.
Owned some 44 Mountain revolvers and a 329. Much preferred the Mountain models over the 329 as the recoil in the 329 with full power loads was simply terrible. Before you call me a wussy I also own a 4in S&W 500 as well as a short barreled 500 JRH. The 329 is brutal, period.
Now in relationship with a Ruger Bisley with a 3 3/4 in barrel. Not a double action but still makes a small package. Thats about as short as you can go on a Ruger.
Like the idea of the 2-3 inch S&W 44's but just not sure I want to buy one yet. Maybe someday. I think if Smith would come out with a hybrid model combining parts from the 329 with the Mountain revolvers and keeping the barrels in the 2.5 - 3 inch range and weighing 32-25 ounces they would have the best of everything.
After trying 2 different 317's I gave up. Just can not shoot them very well. Best I can do from a rested postion is 3 inch (8 shot) groups at 15yards. Not good enough to hit a rabbit or squirrel. Loved how light it was, but if I can't hit with it, it is a nice paperweight. But there again, I also carry a Beretta Bobcat that weighs less than the 317 and it is far more accurate with the fixed sights. Now trying out a Ruger SP101, 4.2 barrel, 8 shot, weighs 30 ounces.
Owned some 44 Mountain revolvers and a 329. Much preferred the Mountain models over the 329 as the recoil in the 329 with full power loads was simply terrible. Before you call me a wussy I also own a 4in S&W 500 as well as a short barreled 500 JRH. The 329 is brutal, period.
Now in relationship with a Ruger Bisley with a 3 3/4 in barrel. Not a double action but still makes a small package. Thats about as short as you can go on a Ruger.
Like the idea of the 2-3 inch S&W 44's but just not sure I want to buy one yet. Maybe someday. I think if Smith would come out with a hybrid model combining parts from the 329 with the Mountain revolvers and keeping the barrels in the 2.5 - 3 inch range and weighing 32-25 ounces they would have the best of everything.
My take on this.......
I went through the thought process of what gun to carry to Wyoming this year. 4" 629-1 or 3" 24-3.
I did some research and discovered a nice chest rig. I can't remember the name of it but I found the recommendation on this site. I ended up taking the 4" .44 maggie. In the cold with coveralls and jacket on pocket carry is out of the question for me, not that I would carry a gun like that anyway afield. It needs be out in front so you can get to it.
I went through the thought process of what gun to carry to Wyoming this year. 4" 629-1 or 3" 24-3.
I did some research and discovered a nice chest rig. I can't remember the name of it but I found the recommendation on this site. I ended up taking the 4" .44 maggie. In the cold with coveralls and jacket on pocket carry is out of the question for me, not that I would carry a gun like that anyway afield. It needs be out in front so you can get to it.
earthquake
Member
Here's my 629-1, 3" 44 mag, it has what I think are Eagle "secret service" grips. they are a bit small but
are very controllable with stiff loads...
Its a little scratched up but I got it cheap from a friend.
Casey
are very controllable with stiff loads...
Its a little scratched up but I got it cheap from a friend.
Casey
I agree. It's a pleasure to read your adventures with the little Model 34. Rimfire J-frames are very handy and practical little revolvers. I have a 2-incher I haven't shot for years because generally I prefer the 4-inch gun, but your stories about your 2-incher have inspired me to get it out again and see if I can hit anything with it. They are tough little guns to shoot well.
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